| For a woman, being diagnosed with breast cancer is | | | | Questions are being asked whether the test is a |
| one of the most traumatic experiences in life. Once | | | | reliable indicator. Perhaps it could be that only the |
| the disease is detected the uphill climb of physical | | | | particular tests that showed negative, when in fact |
| exhaustion due to medical treatment and the | | | | the patient had breast cancer, were in error. |
| emotional trauma of going through the side effects | | | | Some women may carry mutations of the BRCA1 |
| of treatment begins. | | | | and BRCA2 genes which may result in a false |
| The earlier breast cancer is detected the better the | | | | negative test result. These mutations may not be |
| chances are for complete cure. Therefore, there is | | | | detected by the normal gene testing methods. |
| constant emphasis on getting routine mammograms | | | | The test that is available today for detecting breast |
| and other screening for breast cancer for all women, | | | | cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, is patented by |
| especially those above the age of 40 and those who | | | | Myriad Genetics. The test is known to miss several |
| have a history of breast cancer in the family. | | | | alterations or mutations in the genes. Almost twelve |
| Breast and ovarian cancer are thought to have | | | | percent of the population with a family history of |
| strong genetic links. There are also several tests to | | | | breast cancer may test normal or false negative. If |
| detect the genes that are linked to both types of | | | | the test comes back normal, but you suspect a high |
| cancer. But now these tests have been reported to | | | | probability of genetic link what is the ideal course of |
| miss many cases, some of which even on women | | | | action? |
| who have a family history of breast cancer and have | | | | Healthcare professionals advise that if a strong |
| developed the disease earlier. | | | | genetic link is suspected, women are to act as |
| If new research is any indication, Breast Cancer gene | | | | though the test is positive even if they tested |
| testing is not as reliable as it was initially thought to | | | | normal. Regularly follow up with CAT scans and |
| be. The genes that are linked to breast cancer are | | | | MRI’s, and it may be possible to detect breast |
| the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes – Breast Cancer 1 | | | | cancer in the initial stages. “Better safe than |
| and Breast Cancer 2 genes. The tests for these | | | | sorry” seems to be the guiding principle that |
| abnormal genes proved to be negative in some cases | | | | must be adopted in the ongoing battle against breast |
| where the patient was diagnosed with breast cancer. | | | | cancer. |